27-03-2025
Lakes Distillery Releases New Sherry-Forward Signature Whisky
Whiskymaker Sarah Burgess brings her Macallan expertise to The Lakes Distillery, continuing their innovative élevage approach with the new £85 'Signature' release.
In the picturesque landscape of England's Lake District, a whisky revolution is quietly unfolding. The Lakes Distillery, established in 2011 just miles from the Scottish border, has carved a distinctive identity in the world of single malt whisky by embracing the freedom that comes with English whisky production. After more than a decade of exploration through limited releases and experimental expressions, the distillery is embarking on a new chapter with the launch of "Signature"—its first permanent style of sherry-led whisky.
Ahead of this milestone release I spoke to Lakes Distillery Whiskymaker Sarah Burgess to talk about 'Signature,' the distillery's focus on using élevage, and her larger work at the innovative English distillery.
The Lakes Distillery unveils 'Signature' – their first permanent sherry-led whisky after a decade of innovation using wine-inspired élevage techniques.
The Lakes Distillery was established in 2011. Despite being just a few miles from the border of Scotland, the home of single malt scotch, Lakes decided to embrace the freedom of being an English whisky distillery to push the boundaries of what we expect from single malt whisky. Their work has paid off, with their Whiskymaker's Reserve No.4 named the "World's Best Single Malt Whisky" at the 2022 World Whiskies Awards and successfully breaking through into new and emerging markets like Vietnam.
In 2023 Sarah Burgess took the mantle of Whiskymaker at the distillery. Then in 2024 they joined Nyetimber, premium English sparkling wine producer. Burgess joined Lakes Distillery from the Macallan, and has brought her expertise across to further build the foundations of Lakes as a premium single malt whisky producer. Through clever direct to consumer approach they have pushed boundaries in new markets that have been dominated by traditional big brands like The Macallan. The introduction of the new permanent expression 'Signature' is the next step in their evolution.
As an English whisky producer Lakes Distillery was able to push their approach to maturation and creation of their whisky. They use a technique known as élevage that is common in wine and Cognac maturation.
The philosophy behind élevage is that maturation isn't a passive process but rather an active one requiring intervention and expertise. Most whisky that is destined to be a single malt is actively managed to a degree—in terms of cask selection and maturation period, and maybe re-racking later in a whisky's maturation. The active élevage employed by the Lakes distillery takes this a step further by proactively doing this through every stage of the whisky's maturation.
'By altering the location and climate of maturing casks, moving the whisky between cask types, and combining whisky from different casks, élevage provides endless possibilities to evolve an abundance of new and intriguing flavours," explained Sarah Burgess, The Lakes Distillery Whiskymaker, in an email exchange with me to discuss their latest release.
Burgess took over as Lake's Whiskymaker from Dhavall Gandhi in 2023. Gandhi had played an important part in establishing the ethos of the Lakes Distillery and their work with élevage. And it's one that Burgess has continued. "I have continued the philosophy of using the art of élevage, as well as sherry cask ageing. These techniques differentiate us from scotch and other English single malts as the use of élevage is a rarity in the world of whiskymaking and allows us to be even more experimental and creative in our quest to create depth of outstanding flavour."
Lakes Distillery's new flagship Signature expression showcases their distinctive sherry-led style, bottled at 47% ABV to highlight a decade of innovative English whisky-making.
Signature is The Lakes Distillery's first permanent addition to its portfolio. It has been created by Burgess, building on more than a decade of whisky making at Lakes as well as her background at Macallan. Using Lakes signature élevage techniques and a focus on exceptional sherry cask maturation, Burgess has created a new permanent addition to the Lakes core range.
The new whisky is beautifully presented in Lakes distinctive bottle shape and an attractive box that reflects the influence of the waters the Lake District is known for. It's been bottled at 47% ABV to give drinkers a bit of flexibility and reflect the premium point that this sherry led whisky has clearly been aimed at.
In 2024 Lakes distillery joined Nyetimber Group, another premium English drinks producer. At their English vineyards Nyetimber are renowned for producing award winning sparkling wines, and their focus on sustainable practices. In the official press release Eric Heerema, Nyetimber Group CEO and Owner said: "This is an incredibly exciting category within the world of British luxury, and the unveiling of Signature—and its layers of flavours that speak to the time, dedication and creativity of the distillery's whiskymakers—further solidifies The Lakes Distillery's rightful place along with the best on the global whisky stage."
The Lakes Distillery will also be embracing Nyetimbers sustainability vision, something which is increasingly important for premium consumers. From the use of circular producing to sustainable energy sources, Lakes has a long term vision, which Burgess also emphasised to me: "we like to think in generations and not years and in doing so, plan to grow the whole business sustainably for future generations."
It's an ambitious plan, and one that seems to be working. 'Today, The Lakes is beginning to develop a cult following in Vietnam—something that would have seemed unlikely just over a year ago,' said Dang Tau of the Vientnam Whisky Library, in an email discussing the new release. 'The question now is: if this is what can be achieved within a year, what could be possible in five—especially with the backing of Nyetimber and a global marketing push?'
It is an interesting time for English single malt whisky as a category. Earlier in 2025 a move to introduce the term 'English single malt' as an official designation—like Scottish, Welsh, and most recently American whiskies have—was declined. It was seen as a setback by some, but I am sure they will try again. In the meantime, the flexibility afforded by the lack of designation is something to be embraced.
Despite their physical closeness to Scotland, The Lakes Distillery see themselves as a 'new world' whisky producer. And as one of the leaders in this movement, who are unbounded by the traditions that define scotch whisky, the introduction of Signature is both a culmination of the last decade of work by the distillery, and the start of a new chapter.
Through their innovation Lakes Distillery has the opportunity to bring a new distinction to the English single malt whisky industry, and bring this growing category to new drinkers. It comes at a poignant moment for the category. Whether you're a scotch fan, bourbon lover or embracer of newer styles, it is important to remember that innovation generally helps an industry grow and reach new audiences. While a designation may help eventually, for now it is important to remember that it is quality not names that is the most important factor for the drinkers.
Lakes Distillery Signature is available from 27th March for $110 (£85) from select retailers and direct from the distillery.
